The Wayanad history is a rich tapestry that stretches from prehistoric human life to the modern era, making this hill district in Kerala much more than just a scenic travel destination. Archaeological evidence shows that organized human communities existed here at least 10 centuries before Christ, with rock carvings in local caves pointing to early civilizations on the Wayanad plateau.
One of the earliest and most remarkable indicators of ancient life in Wayanad is the Edakkal Caves, where petroglyphs depict humans, animals and geometric symbols carved thousands of years ago. These caves and other megalithic structures like dolmens and menhirs show that life here was complex and culturally developed long before recorded history.
Over the centuries, Wayanad was part of several powerful realms and cultural influences. It was linked to ancient South Indian kingdoms, including the Chera dynasty, and later came under rulers like the Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire and the Mysore Wodeyars, each contributing to trade, agriculture and architecture.
In the late 1700s, figures like Tipu Sultan and the legendary Pazhassi Raja played key roles in Wayanad’s history, with Pazhassi Raja’s guerrilla resistance against the British East India Company becoming a celebrated chapter in local heritage.
After India’s independence and state reorganizations, Wayanad was officially formed as a separate district on 1 November 1980, carved out from parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
Today, Wayanad’s history is visible in its tribal cultures, ancient temples, spice-trade legacy, and archaeological sites, making it a living chronicle of human civilization in the Western Ghats.
Admin@Wayanadn.com
Wayanad One Day Trip from Bangalore & Mysore – A Local Guide